If you thought Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol have made road trips cool… think again. The concept of ‘road trips’ was invented a long time ago. According to wiki-literature, it began in the 1800s. Apart from the usual reasons like cross-country travel, migration, publicity for cars, races, etc, road trips were also popular as a concept of vacationing-on-the-road for the modern day traveller.

Taking a road trip is something most people don’t set out to do. A road trip for many people is getting from point A to B. But there are some who choose their destination based on the road they will be taking.  In fact, many people actually take up road trips as a hobby and not just a method of holidaying. Such road enthusiasts consider road tripping, almost like an art-form. 

They are also divided in two schools of thought. While the contemporary vacationer thinks that technology like the GPS
and digital mapping programmes define authentic road trips,
the conventional one is of the opinion that technology mars the fun of discovery apart from abandoning any chance to interact with locals.

But this aside, almost every road enthusiast in the world agrees that vehicles allow one to customise their trip and set their own pace. Even though the destinations were different, the road trip enthusiasts Yuva spoke to share the same feeling; a road trip is a life-changing experience. We take you from the north to the south of India and even step out of the country for a little road trippin’.

Road to Gurudongmar
North Sikkim

When 32-year-old advertising professional Ameya Inamdar and his friends set out to make the most of the road, North Sikkim, the window to the panoramic view to the mystic Himalayan peaks is the destination they chose to head towards. They decided that the world’s highest lake, Gurudongmar Lake, situated at 17,200ft above sea level, was a perfect foil to the road journey.

Since Sikkim is flanked by Bangladesh, Tibet and Bhutan on all sides, the territory is under constant army surveillance and procuring special permits to travel in the area does not come without its difficulties.

They hopped on a train from Mumbai to New Jalpaiguri, beginning the first leg of their destination. Their journey began in Mangan, Gangtok, immediately taking them down muddy roads, inclines and nallahs.

Yumthang Valley, which in full bloom is known as the Switzerland of India was the first place they rode to. The roads to Yumsedong, 25kms from Yumthang Valley were steeper, and the light rain caused the wind to get chiller, almost making them give up and call it a day. Fortunately, they ran into local shepherds who were tending to their flock and were invited back to their shack for some warmth, popcorn, pahadi chai (salt tea) and rice beer.

The landscape changed drastically as they gained altitude, turning their surroundings mystic. “Ancient tree stumps, absolute silence and heavy fog added to the mystery. It definitely seemed like time stood still at that place,” says Ameya.

They were now crossing the half-way mark of their Sikkim road trip, though the rains, fog and chilling weather persisted.

Within few hours, Ameya and his friends reached Thangu in Lachen district. "Getting a room here is not a problem since not many tourists venture into these parts. The serenity and warmth of the people is what keeps people coming back to Thangu," says Ameya.

Gurudongmar Lake, the highlight of their trip and was about a 64km ride to and fro. Their bikes stalled thrice and needed to be pushed before they could make it to the top.

They finally made it to the top, completely overwhelmed, partly due to the beauty and serenity of Gurudongmar Lake and partly because of the struggle the ride up the mountain. Completely exhausted and despite the low oxygen levels, they soaked up the sights around the lake which attract devotees as it is considered holy and has a temple there.

Then began their marathon ride back to where it all began. This expedition, as they describe it, was like a dream.

Road trip to Libson
PORTUGAL

Aniket Nagle is a 27-year-old Nasikite (a town in Maharashtra) studying in Zurich for the past two years. Saving money from his many part time jobs, this computer science student embarked on a five-day road trip around Portugal with four friends in November 2010.

I’ve got two places I like to be, Portugal is one – Rock-n-Roll pioneer, Cliff Richard said. And, we have to agree with the singing legend as Portuguese Republic is one country that should be on the must-see list of everyone. This westernmost country of the European continent is strategically located with the Arabian Sea and glorious Spain.

Starting their journey in the capital city of Lisbon with Lagos as their destination point, their original plan was to backpack and use public transport systems. However, after they landed in Lisbon, “it was a sort of impromptu decision to hire a car,” says Aniket.

They stayed in Lisbon for two days and made their way around in a hired Fiat Punto (driving themselves). Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal with both, a Mediterranean and European feel to it. “Cobble-stoned streets take you to charming old cathedrals and small restaurant patios,” reminisces Amit.

After two days of driving, the journey took them south, to the city of Lagos in the region of Algarve. They stuck to the coastline and chose the extremely scenic seaside route. Predictably, the four hour drive took them longer because they stopped often. The bulk of this route is via a three-metre single lane. The smooth and scenic ride was considerably more memorable than the destinations of Lagos and Lisbon.

The beautiful touristy city has many secrets and having your own vehicle means they could explore it. After reaching Lagos, they went straight off to Ponta da Piedade, the most visited and photographed motif of Lagos. “Lagos with its hedonistic appeal combined with a parallel theme of old-world charm, makes for an interesting destination to consider for a road trip,” says Aniket .

Their trip took them further to the west of Lagos in the region of Sagres to Cabo de São Vicente, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The place is described as the end of the world and houses the most breath-taking cliff sides. It is only accessible by navigating narrow lanes. “Just driving here has finality to it,” thinks Amit.

It took the five an entire day’s drive to get back to Lisbon, reaching only at dusk. Road trips, feels Aniket is not only the best way to see this leg of Portugal but surprisingly the cheapest option.

Road trip  PAN INDIA
NORTH INDIA

Moin Afaque, 26 is from Aligarh but is currently studying in Delhi for a Masters in Economics. He has previously worked as Senior Analyst with a leading investment bank in Mumbai.

After years of working, Moin decided to take a break and after putting in his resignation a month earlier, he left Mumbai for good on his bike on 26 July, 2010. Moin says, “As I drove towards the highway from the suburbs where I lived, I met with the morning traffic of office goers, except this time I was on the other side heading in the opposite direction. It was a different feeling, a good feeling affirming that what I was about to do was right. From now on, I was to make do with what I have in the two bags tied to my bike and sleep and eat along the road and keep driving.”

Moin drove from Mumbai to Surat, Ahmedabad, Mt Abu, Ajmer, Delhi, Chandigarh and throughout Himachal Pradesh. His route took him all along the Sutlej river to the border with China and then along Spiti river and then Beas, stopping over at Theog, Rampur Busheher, Kalpa, Puh, Nako, Kaza, Vashisht, Jalori Jot, Mandi and Dharmshala.

He says of his experience, “It took me sometime to shake off the hangover of routine office life. At first, mornings used to be the most difficult part of my day but now I was on the road by 5am. Mornings were crucial as you can cover more ground then. I also got to know how to spot the cheapest motels.” Moin learned more about bikes; enough he says to manage a repair shop perhaps. His journey meant many experiences, on and off the road. He remembers being cut off for three days in a remote Himalayan village, Nako, which is at 3,700 metres due to landslides. He survived without electricity and phones. He camped in the wild at Jalori pass, bathed in hot-water springs at Vashisht and experimented with local brews at Kalpa.

The journey, Moin feels was interesting as much for the people as for the places. “At times shack owners didn't take money for the tea and snacks, even though I insisted. They were more interested in my bike and my travel. There's solidarity on the road and you will always find someone to help with your punctured tyre. A road trip opens one to so many different people and experiences. It excites and surprises you and perhaps humbles you and changes you for the better,” thinks Moin.

Road trip to goa
South India

Bharat Patel, 24, is an avid biker and has covered almost 50,000 kms. He shares with us one of his favourite road trips that he took with three friends to Goa in 2009.

He says, “The one thing that drives me to hit the road time and again is the feeling of being in charge of whatever I want to do or wherever I want to go." This is biggest pro of taking road trips and not choosing other modes of transport like railways or airways. This is the only mode that gives you the freedom of turning back or changing course or stopping to camp at any given place on the way. With this is in mind, Dhanno and I (bike’s nickname) along with my friends left for Goa.

Mumbai to Goa is one of the most convenient trips for stressed Mumbaikars. Though about 600kms, the ride on the NH17 is spectacular and full of challenging ghats and awe-inspiring scenery. The best time, Bharat thinks is just after the monsoons. Roads aren’t too slippery and the valleys are lush green. 

 According to him, when you are on the road, especially on a bike, time matters a lot. Schedules need to be followed and weather needs to be considered. “You want to reach your hotel or destination in time and unlike in a car, where being car-bound is fine, one can’t really sleep on a bike,” he says. Unfortunately for Bharat and his friends, it started raining as they crossed Panvel. After a small break, they decided to ride in the heavy rains not wanting to waste too much time. The roads were slippery and they inched along not wanting to exceed 60 to 70kmph. On the brighter side, he felt that the climate and the greenery made the environment simply “splendiferous” and the ride surprisingly quite enjoyable.

Bharat says that the trip was fraught with events, three infamous falls or rather accidents that he had on the way that make this trip unforgettable. He attributes the will to go on to the ‘biking spirit’ and with every fall, he just picked up and rode again. He makes special mention of the much-talked about Kashedi Ghat. It is claimed that this pass has the most dangerous curves. Keeping the speed to a bare 50RPM, they proceeded for the ‘twisties’, as he likes to call them.

“Nandgaon, Kankavali and Sawantvadi are some units that fall along the way to Goa. The latter that falls in the Sindhudurg district (and also includes some portions of North Goa) we had heard a lot about and after stopping over, I recommend Sawantvadi, one of the heritage towns in India as a must-do detour. Road trips give you a chance to actually experience the culture and heritage of a place. It is a great way to see the countryside, relax and find out what it’s really like to live in a particular area,” says Bharat.

“Sometimes, destinations aren’t as pretty as the journeys and the detours. Tarkarli was an accidental discovery. Almost like serendipity,” he adds.

“A 45km ride from Kudal, Tarkarli is a peace-loving-tourist’s delight. Star-fish come ashore the Tarkarli beach and somewhere in the distance you can see the Sindhudurg fort. After spending about three hours at the fort’s footsteps, snorkelling in one of the only reefs on the western coastline of India, we reluctantly journeyed on,” he continues.

In fact, Goa didn’t seem as enchanting and the bikers left Panaji the next day morning and spent another day at Tarkarli. Another road trip highlight, turning back or changing course or stopping on a whim is the best part.

Road trip to LAHUL, SPITI AND KINNAUR
North india

Hashim Qayoom (32), an ex business development manager along with friend and business partner Shashank Jayakumar (25) who also runs an IT company in Mumbai, set out to conquer the not-so-taken roads in Northern India.

While there are a number of motor trails in the Himalayas, the holy grail for motorcycle enthusiasts still remains the Manali to Leh route, crossing the many high altitude passes and finally the fabled Khardung La (Khardung pass) which at 18,380ft, is the highest motorable road in the world.

Come June, the curvaceous and seductive Himalayas come alive with a four stroke symphony, the quintessential base being provided by the two-wheeled thumping legend, the Enfield. For the subsequent three months, groups of riders from across the Globe can be seen thundering along the high passes and the valleys that dot the mesmerising Himalayan landscape.

“True to tradition, our annual trip to the Himalayas had been decided but unlike others we decided to travel on the much less frequented Spiti circuit,” says Hashim.

Spiti (the middle land) a region nestled between India and Tibet, was closed to tourists, both domestic and foreign due to reasons of national security. However, since 1992 the roads are open and this bejewelled mountain-scape of the Himalayas was thrown open to tourists. A circuit dotted with ancient monasteries, lazy rivers and landscapes ranging from the most striking emerald to sandy desolateness.

Hashim and Shashank outline their trip, “Our riding circuit traversed across the valleys of Kullu, Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur and Sangla and fittingly we decided to christen this ride, ‘The Five Valley Trail’ and the moment our itinerary has fixed, we, over the subsequent week had a motley group of eight that came together from Delhi, Mumbai and Baroda.” Joined at Kullu valley by their support crew, 11 riders journeyed to the hot water spring at Vashist.

The road to Rohtang was blocked due to incessant rains and resulting landslides. This is quite common and many riders are not able to make the trip and turn back. So, Hashim and his fellow riders who were praying for a miracle waited at the sulphur springs at Vahisht. A miracle maybe a strong word but they were inspired to turn the eight days of motorcycling on its head and reversed their itinerary.

So instead they started their drive to Lahual valley after crossing Spiti, Kinnaur and Sangla. As Hashim describes it, “The subsequent eight days saw us through moments of sheer frustration and undiluted bliss. We were drenched and we got burnt, we crossed high altitude passes (Jalori and Kunzum) and we crossed rivers, we rode on silken highways and we bumped along non existent mountain passages, we camped by high altitude lakes and we slept in one-hotel towns, we lost ourselves in the wilderness and we discovered ourselves amidst the mystic Himalayas. Our souls as we had known, melted and re- emerged with the spirit of the Himalayas embedded within us.”u

-Compiled by Disha T and Charlene Flanagan